mid-day turns 40 - Let's Talk: Henry Menezes and Godfrey Pereira

Updated On: 28 June, 2019 07:07 AM IST | | Ashwin Ferro

Former India national team players Henry Menezes and Godfrey Pereira are a poster ad in optimism about the future of Mumbai football, as they tickle their memories and project a day when football will rival cricket.

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Henry Menezes and Godfrey Pereira. Pics/ Suresh Karkera

A lot has transpired across Mumbai's football fields in the last 40 years since Henry Menezes started playing. The number of teams at the Mumbai Schools Sports Association's (MSSA) tournaments has spiralled as have the number of clubs under the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA). We have seen a progression from grass at Cooperage grounds, the only competitive football venue in the city then, to artificial turf, laid out by world governing body, FIFA. The Andheri Sports Complex now known as the Mumbai Football Arena hosted Mumbai's first international football fixture after a gap of 61 years in 2016, followed by the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Navi Mumbai. It's only expected then that when the former India goalkeeper meets former teammate and striker Godfrey Pereira, the two say, the grass is green on this side.